Hello Everyone,The latest update from the Department of Education and Skills is that the handover of keys to our new school building is pushed out by one week to September 29th 2017. They have also reassured us that all standards in relation to Fire Safety and Building Regulation are being met with each stage being date tagged and photographed, as has been required for all buildings in recent years. The Fire Officer assigned to our new school building and our Department of Education Representative on site are working meticulously to ensure everything is done correctly on site and that the building will be ready for September 29th.I'd like to thank you all for your understanding as we juggle classroom spaces while waiting to gain access to our new school building. I just keep reminding myself how lucky we are to have a new building almost finished after only four years in existence. Other schools have not been so lucky as we know from Ballinteer Educate Together N.S. who've been in cramped conditions for five years and have now moved to an old school campus shared with two other schools in the upper floors of two old buildings with no hope of their new school being built in the near future and Griffith Barracks MDNS (under Educate Together too) who've been waiting eighteen years for their new school building and it's not nearly finished yet. So, thank you to all our parents who campaigned to get our school built and here's to a great moving-in weekend at the end of September. In addition the 'Per Cent for Art Scheme' for our new school building is underway and we're looking forward to having a wonderful work of art in the foyer of our new school building once the process is complete.In the meantime, the pupils are preparing a great big celebratory assembly and we will be inviting you all to join in the event one morning during the first week in our new school building. We'll give you plenty of notice too.Before we move at the end of the month we have lots more happening:

Tomorrow September13th is Roald Dahl Day

September 20th: Meeting for Parents of Junior Infant Classes at 7.30pm

September 26th: All Classes will visit the Synagogue in Templeogue

GAA training with Adam from St. Anne's GAA Club is taking place every Thursday for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Classes during September and for Infant Classes in October

Rugby training is also starting soon

Regarding pupil numbers we are currently at 172 which means we will be approved to take on one teacher for the year ahead. We currently have three teachers on two month contracts based on projected enrolments of 182. We will be appealing based on complex needs and exceptional circumstances once the deadline of September 30th has been reached. We are also seeking a review based on Special Educational Needs. If your child has any Special Education Needs please be aware we are currently checking the overall needs of pupils in the school and will be in touch with parents individually towards the end of September to advise what supports we'll be able to give and seeking your consent for same.We will also be sending home a consent form in the coming days to cover all school tours and visits throughout the coming year and if there is a tour you do not wish your child to attend you can then send in a note to say so. The aim is to minimise paperwork and administration time and so save money which can then be spent on resources for the children. I must add that parents are always informed of tours / visits in advance ensuring you always have the option to withdraw your consent for any particular visit. I look forward to welcoming you all to our new school building in two and a half weeks' time. If there's anything you would like to discuss in the meantime please call me on 087 330 1332.Very, very best regards,ColletteCollette Dunne: Principal: Firhouse Educate Together N.S.